Class Description
Undertake a reevaluation of Nietzsche's philosophy on its own provided terms: namely, his stated "solution" (cf. Ecce Homo) of the figure of Ariadne. Participants will analyze the role of Ariadne within Nietzsche's life and work to better understand his perspective and style. From this understanding, we will consider what it potentially means for a philosophy—particularly a philosophy like Nietzsche's—to have a "solution," especially one which is vulnerable, marginalized, and feminine.
Topics include the role of Greek myth in Nietzsche's thought, the problem of Dionysus and Nietzsche's potential repudiation of the god through the figure of Ariadne, the question of how marginalized groups, embodied by Ariadne, function as a Nietzschean audience/agent, and what the responsibility is of reevaluation as such. Ultimately we will radically reapproach Nietzsche on his own terms, in order to escape twentieth-century and contemporary misinterpretations forwarded of the thinker.
Jessica Jessen holds a PhD in philosophy from DePaul University, where she also taught. Her current book project explores the role of the figure of Ariadne in the work of Friedrich Nietzsche. Her research interests include the intersection of Nietzsche and feminism, Nietzsche and disability theory, and Nietzsche and religion.
All virtual classes are recorded and made available on a password-protected basis to participants registered in the class. These recordings are available for up to two weeks after the class ends.
Materials List
Required
- Friedrich Nietzsche, The Birth of Tragedy and the Case of Wagner. Vintage Books, 1967. ISBN: 9780394703695
- Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil. Vintage Books, 1989. ISBN: 9780679724650
- Friedrich Nietzsche, On the Genealogy of Morals and Ecce Homo. Vintage Books, 1989. ISBN: 9780679724629
- Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Penguin Books, 1978. ISBN: 9780140047486
- Digital Course Packet
First Reading
- From The Birth of Tragedy: “Attempt at a Self-Criticism,” sections 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 12, 22, 25
- From Ecce Homo: “The Birth of Tragedy,” 1-4
- From Beyond Good and Evil: 150
- From the Digital Course Packet: mythological references to Ariadne: Homer, Hesiod, Catullus 64
- From the Digital Course Packet: excerpt from Bakkhai (packet)
Cost and Registration
4 Sessions, $225 ($202 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We now offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($225), Community Supported ($215), and Sponsor ($235). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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